Russell, A Smokin' Place to Be, Sept 14

The Russell Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor its 3rd Annual BEST IN SMOKE BBQ competition on Saturday, September 14th at the Russell Bandstand City Park.  There is one entry fee for chicken, pork, ribs, pork or beef brisket and another entry fee for desserts.  KCBS rules will be used with certified judges.  
Trophies and cash prizes will be awarded.
Dessert Judging at 2:00 p.m.; with BBQ judging at 3:00 p.m.; parade (Grand Marshall TBA) at 4:00 p.m.; Garden Tractor Pulls at 4:30 p.m.; Free-will donation dinner at the Fire Station at 5:00 p.m.; Henry .22 Golden Boy Rifle Raffle Drawing at 6:00 p.m.; Announcement of the BBQ Winners at the Bandstand at 6:30 p.m.; Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party & Street Dance with Band "More Than This" performing at 9:00 p.m.  Fireworks at Last Chance at 10:00 p.m.  For more information  contact Shawn at 641-203-3164 or emai:
russellbestinsmoke@gmail.com

Russell Museum/Library

The Russell Museum/Library is looking for an individual to serve as a board member.  Meetings are once a month and occasionally will be asked to participate in other activities such as fund raising and decision making.  Contact Wanda at 535-4631.

Fire Dept Competition

Come and watch our firemen practice in front of the Fire Station for the upcoming Firemen's Competition at the State Volunteer Convention which will take place in Vinton/Garrison area on September 7th.  Each night through the week they set up their targets and begin aiming their hoses toward them.  Then the countdown begins.  There are lots of "ooo's", "aaah's", and "yeah's" from the spectators as the water shoots from the hoses.  Kids are taking advantage of the water streaming high in the air by running through the falling water.
Out thanks again as they quietly and faithfully keep our citizens protected.

Wayside Garden of the Month for August

Russell Wayside Garden Club has chosen the Gerald & Cindy Briggs home as the August Yard of the Month.  The front yard has many beautiful Hibiscus and Cana Lily flowers in bloom.  There are also several attractive flower beds around the yard.

First Baptist Church Evening Kids Club

The First Baptist Church is starting a Wednesday evening kids club called Kids4Truth.  Like VBS, it will have a lesson time, games, crafts and snacks as well as weekly opportunities for kids to earn awards.  It will run with the school year (August 28-May 28) and go from 6:30 - 8 p.m. with an option for younger children to leave at 7:20.  Parents may call Emily at 515-249-6651 to pre-register or arrive at 6:15 p.m. on any club night to register their children.  Kids are welcome to join the club at any point in the year.

Russell City Council Meeting Aug 5th

Council members present were: Wayne Riggs, Duane Bedford, Jay Pierschbacher, and Jeremy Blue, and Mayor Ed Scheel, City Clerk Wendy Nickell. Don Sellers was Absent. Others present were Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Police Chief Jeff Johnson, and city employee Larry Mitchell. Visitors were Justin and Amber Fitzgerald, Craig Gooder and Steve Pollard.

A Federal grant will allow an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to be placed in the Russell Community Building. The Education coordinator at the hospital will take care of checking it every month for 3 years. Then it can be placed at a different site if the city so desires. CPR classes will be offered to the public free of charge to any one that wants to become certified. A representative from the FD will attend an informational meeting concerning the AED on August 12 at LCHC.

Russell's current dog ordinance is drafted after Chariton's previous ordinance. Since the City of Chariton has recently made changes and implemented a new ordinance, Russell's Mayor brought this to the attention of the our council and passed around Chariton's new ordinance for the council to consider.

It will now cost $100 plus the cost of the water for the Fire Department to fill any pools. All payment must be made in advance before pools will be filled.

Repair work on the streets continues, with additional water repair to be done near Hundley Tire/Auto. Larry is now certified to do water and waste-water tests monthly along with the reports. Zach Bedford's contract for that will be dissolved on October 1.

The next Council meeting will be on Thursday September 12 at 7 p.m. (Note change of usual date).

2013 Lucas County 4-H Fair Queen

Congratulations, Madison Briggs, rural Russell girl who 

has become the 2013 Lucas County 4-H Fair Queen

Madison is the daughter of Kevin and Kerri Briggs.  She has two brothers, Chandler and Calvin Briggs.

She has had an active involvement in both FLBA and FFA.  She was the local treasurer for FFA for 2011-2012 and reporter/historian for 2012-2013.

Madison has also been involved in 4-H youth council for three years and currently serves on 4-H and Youth Committee.  Last year she attended the 4-H State Leadership Conference at Iowa State.

When Madison was asked why did she want to be the Lucas County Fair Queen she responded, "I think this would be a great way to be able to spread the message of the importance of 4-H in Lucas County.  As Lucas County Fair Queen I will fulfill all my responsibilities, be reliable and will show others the importance of 4-H and what it is about.

Wayside Garden Club's July Yard of the Month

The Corey and Nikki Paige's home sits at the top a hill on your way out of town on East Shaw Street. (Next to Marilyn and Butch Evans' house).  The large front yard is beautifully manicured  all the way down to the street.  Flowers surround the front of the house and are also in a flower bed near the street.  This home has been selected as Russell Wayside Garden Club's July "Yard of the Month".

Heartland Health Solutions LLC

Welcome to a new business in Russell.  Located in the old Russell Mall.  Sign went up today.  Haven't heard when they will be moving in.

Around Town July 19th

The Wayside Garden Club reminds us anyone can enter the floral arrangement or a specimen (one flower) in an open class at the Lucas County Fair.  Also, the Club does not meet in August because of their activities at the Fair.

Children's Storytime is still happening.  The kids love this event just for them.  Come to the Library on Friday's at 1:00 p.m. Children ages 4-8.

The Community Club will be holding its annual election of officers at their regularly scheduled meeting on July 25th, 6:30 p.m., at the Russell Community building.

Kelly McCurdy's Summer

Young Guatamalan Girl

Russell resident Kelly McCurdy has enjoyed some very interesting and educational experiences so far this summer.  It started with Spanish Students from Wayne Community Schools and Sigourney Community Schools taking a trip this summer.  The Spanish Students departed on June 1st and returned on June 10th.  First stop was in Guatemala.  The group visited local schools and dropped off donations of school supplies and money to support their schooling.

Pacaya Volcano, Antigua Guatamala

A hiking trip was made to Pacaya Volcano near Antigua, Guatemala.  This is an active volcano and offered a real treat overlooking the different craters.  For flatland Iowa students, the views on the hike up and down were wonderful.

San Ignacio School Children

After spending time in Guatemala the group flew to Belize.  There they visited another school in San Ignacio.  The children were so happy to see the visitors and welcomed the donations that they brought.

The trip to Guatemala was an experience that made them realize how blessed and fortunate they really are.

Gettysburg Battlefield in
Pennsylvania

Then a family trip included going to Washington, D.C.; Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania; and Manassas Battlefield in Virginia.

 The trip to Washington D.C. was a great experience and Kelly found out that there are far too many things to see in a short trip.

Manassas Battlefield in Virginia

(Blogger added the pictures:)

Russell, Our Town

I took a ride today down Prairie Street in our beautiful little town of Russell, Iowa and took some pictures along the way.  The grass and trees are so green and flowers are abundant after the rains we have had. 

The Beaty Insurance Building (Southwest corner)

Shaw and Prairie Streets catch your eye as you see the beautiful new buildings on the southeast, the southwest, and the north-east corners.  

The Russell Museum and Library, The Beaty Insurance Building, and the Justin Fitzgerald and Amber Pollard home have brought the town into the 21st century.

The Russell Museum and Library Building (Southeast corner)

Justin and Amber Ftizgerald Home (Northeast corner)

Five of the last of the "Main Street" buildings are now apartments on the northwest corner of Prairie and Shaw.

 

Apartments (Northwest cormer)

Bandstand in the park

Looking around the square, the band-stand looks like it is waiting for an event to take place.  The area where Curious Goods used to be has been leveled and grass will soon  start to fill in.  

Post Office and Great Western Bank

The Post Office and the Bank stand out with the open area on the corner.

Last Chance Convenience Store

The Last Chance Convenience store is very important to the residents of Russell, not only for the convenience store, but for the delicious lunches they serve Monday through Friday.  Social activities take place on special occasions.

Russell Development Apartments

Across the street from Last Chance are the Russell Development Apartments for the Elderly.  These apartments are made of red brick and are very well maintained.  A real asset to the town of Russell.

Bob and Kathy Willits Home

On the corner of Prairie and Ames is Bob and Kathy Willits home.  A beautiful yellow house with white trim and a beautiful cared for yard.

Duplex

Across the street from the Willits home is a brick duplex that has been continually rented for the last quarter century. Originally owned by Jack Prather.

Frances Prather's Home

On down Prairie street sits Frances Prather's home.  Her home is attractive and she works hard keeping her beautiful flowers blooming.  The lawn is always well groomed.

The First United Methodist Church sits a half block off Prairie Street to the east of Frances Prather's home.









Improvements continue to be made around town as Russell strives to improve its image.  You can't help but notice the Lucas County Maintenance building, just north of the bank, with its new coat of white paint.  Shriver Painting gets credit for the paint job they did.

I hope you enjoy this trip down Russell's main street through town. 

City Announcements

Note from City Hall to Russell Residents

Any information Wendy needs to get out to residents will be on your water bills.  (The notice about garbage pickup being on July 4 was on this last bill.  Some said they didn't see it).  Residents need to look closely at your bills for any notices.  Next year she will be putting the date and times for cleanup day on your bills.  It is the most efficient way to get information out to everyone.

Russell City Council Meeting for July 1, 2013

Police continue to work on junk and debris, radar needs repaired again, repairing streets are ongoing, new tires have been put on the dump truck, backhoe needs more repair than what the city is capable of doing.  The Mayor is checking into getting it worked on.  Jeremy will speak to property owner about city right-of-way.  A letter will be sent requesting owner to attend next council meeting if needed.  Duane spoke with a resident about a complaint concerning The Track.  Larry and Michael will fill out worksheets on the work they do daily.  A hydrant will be installed in the park for purposes of watering landscaping.  Duane will be working on a plan for landscaping.  Duane made the motion to purchase I-Drive (computer) off site back-up.  

Council members in attendance were Mayor Ed Scheel, Wayne Riggs, Jay Pierschbacher, Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk.  Don Sellers was absent.  Police Chief Jeff Johnson and Larry Mitchell, city employees, were alson in attendance.  Visitors were Craig and Joan Gooder. 

The next meeting will be on Monday August 5 at 7 p.m. at which time we ask the Fire Department about filling pools and flushing hydrants.

First Baptist Church Vacation Bible School

Kick-off will be July 14th at the band stand.  A couple of puppet skits will be introducing Spy Guy/Girl, a character that has skits each day of VBS.  They will have a picnic afterwards for anyone who wants to come.  All food is provided.  VBS will be that week, the 15th-19th, from 6-8:15 p.m. for children ages 4-5th grade (completed).  The closing program will be on Sunday the 21st at 10:45 a.m. The theme is "Investigation Destination," and it's all about secret agents finding and following clues.  Everyone is welcome to this program.

Russell Sportsmen's Club Activities for July

At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14th the Russell Sportsmen's Club will conduct a ladies only handgun clinic.  Instructors will welcome women of any level of experience or inexperience.  The clinic will involve both classroom time and live fire on the range.  The range is located at 41570  280th Avenue southwest of Russell.  Call Sue at 641-340-1144 for more information.

June Yard of the Month

Russell News

Around Town 

     Thursday, July 4th,  the city will have regular garbage pickup  even though it is  a holiday.  Our condolences go out to the Russ and Joann Harris family for the death of their son-in-law in a freak accident in Minnesota. Services will be held this week. 

      For the 4th of July celebration, the flags will be placed on the Avenue of Flags at the Russell Cemetery on July 2 and removed on July 5th. They are a sight to behold. 

Museum/Library News

   New officers elected for the coming year are president,-Wanda Liddell; vice president-Terry Elmore; secretary-Duane Bedford; treasurer-Jacque Chester.

     The Museum Board wishes to thank all donations that helped match the Grant for our cement work. Whether monetary or labor, it is very much appreciated.  There is still help needed to finish the landscaping.

Special recognition goes to Harry Reed and Ed Sellers for their extreme efforts on those hot days. 

      Also, the blue Russell Alumni books are now available for sale at the Museum, along with the DVD's. 

     For your convenience, for June only, the Museum/Library will be open from 1-5 Monday through Friday and 10-2 p.m. on Saturday. 

June Calendar

       Children's Story Time continues at the Museum/Library, Friday at 1:00 p.m. for children ages 4-8. 
       Sunday, July 14th at 10:45 a.m. First Baptist is having a Vacation Bible School kick-off at the band stand. A couple of puppet skits  will  be introducing Spy Guy/Girl, a character that has skits each day of VBS. They will  have a picnic afterwards for anyone who wants to come. All food is provided for that. VBS will be that week, the 15th-19th, from 6-8:15 p.m. for ages 4-5th grade (completed). The closing program will be on Sunday the 21st at 10:45 a.m. The theme is "Investigation Destination," and it's all about secret agents finding and following clues. Everyone is invited. 

For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog at:
http://www.russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com
For Lucas County information try their blog at:
http://lucascountygenealogy.blogspot.com
If you have comments or suggestions for this column, e-mail 
myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402
The Russell Museum's email - rihs106@yahoo.com

Visit from Our Iowa Magazine Editor

On Tuesday, June 18, the Our Iowa magazine editor Jerry Wiebel and his wife, Paula toured the Russell Museum, along with other attractions in Lucas County, to get ideas to feature in an upcoming article in their magazine.

It seems the magazine is going to feature different attractions from throughout Lucas County in a future issue.  Linda Baynes and Lyle Asell were giving them a quick tour through Lucas County.

The magazine was founded by Roy Reiman, publisher of such magazines as Taste of Home, Farm Wife News and other magazines.  Our Iowa is one of Iowa's most popular publications.  Reiman created Reiman Gardens, now one of the largest public gardens in Iowa.   Reiman Gardens creates a striking entrance to Iowa State University and the city of Ames.

Russell Library's Summer Reading Program

The Russell Library will begin their Summer reading Program on Friday, the 7th of June at 1:00 p.m. Last day will be August 9th.  Our thanks go out to Joan and Craig Gooder for providing this enjoyable time for the children.  Last years session was very well received and the children really enjoyed the stories.  See what the Gooder's have planned for this summer.  See you there.

Benefit Poker Run for Amanda and Aaron Russell

Amanda and Aaron Russell are the daughter and son-in-law of Chris and Brenda Knust of Russell, IA.  Amanda and Aaron have lost everything in a house fire in May.  

Please come and enjoy a fun ride for a great cause.  The ride will be starting at the Southside Bar & Grill in Russell and ending at Harley Haven Sports Bar in Russell.  There will be food, an auction and the DJ will be starting at 8:00 p.m.  All proceeds will be going to Amanda and Aaron.

1st place is $100 donated by Harley Haven; 2nd place is $50 donated by The Landing; and the Worst Hand is $25 donated by Southside.  The entry fee is $10 per card and 100% of the benefit will go to Amanda and Aaron.  All of the proceeds from the auction items that are donated by local businesses and individuals will also go to the family.  Thanks to all for your help and support

Sign in starts at 12:00 p.m. at the Southside and the ride will leave at 1:00 p.m.  The route will be to The Landing, Dawgs, Red Barn, Whistle Stop and the last card will be at Harley Haven at 7:00 p.m. with the auction to follow shortly after.

Thank you in advance for attending and supporting our friends and family of Russell.

Russell City Council Meeting June 10th

Council members present were Ed Scheel, Mayor; Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, Jay Pierschbacher and Wayne Riggs, Councilmen.
Also attending were:  Wendy Nickell, City Clerk; City employee, Larry Mitchell; Visitors: Craig Gooder, Larry Templeton, Steve Pollard and Joe White.

Approval was given to close part of Short Street for an event at Harley Haven June 22.  Harley Haven will be having another event July 19 and that approval is yet to be granted.

A resident needs a culvert replaced in his driveway.  Resident has to purchase the culvert and the city will put it in.

Steve Pollard requests the water be turned on at 409 S. Prairie.  City employee Larry Mitchell will install a meter at the site.

Joe White requested an explanation about the open area behind his home.  The Mayor explained that the area behind his home is not an alley and never has been.

Larry Mitchell continues to work on repairs to the streets.

Repair needs to be done to a tube in the alley and adjoining properties to the north on the corner of Ames and Main.

Larry will check on prices for two tires for the dump truck.

The next meeting will be on Monday July 1 at 7 p.m.

Reminder:  The Trojan Campground at the old football field is now open for your use.  Self-explanatory directions are available at the entrance.

Historical Society Property Improvements

The Russell Historical Society is again making efforts to improve the looks of the community.  Have you noticed the improvements being done to the sidewalk area of the Museum at the corner of Prairie and Shaw Streets?  They started digging out and removing the old sidewalks and the driveway and hauling the cement chunks away on Sunday June 2nd.  The rain has been giving them some trouble, but they have gradually begun to get the forms placed.  They will continue to adjust them and do some more excavation to get it up to grade.  There will be a walkway leading up to a 7 x 10 area at the corner of the building by the Memorial Board for the picnic table, a  large driveway approach to the garage door, along with handicapped accessibility at the street corner and to the building.  Plus new sidewalks in front of the museum and around the corner.  With the addition of new sidewalks at Beaty Insurance and the Museum's new sidewalks, the corner of Prairie and Shaw will look really nice.

Trojan Campground

The Trojan Campground at the old football field is now open for your use.  The Firemen camped there this past weekend.  Self-explanatory directions are available at the entrance.

Russell Alumni Reunion Report

On behalf of the 2013 Russell High School Alumni Reunion Committee, we would like to thank everyone that attended and helped with the Reunion on May 25th.  We were completely pleased with the great turnout of people that braved the chilly weather.  As always, it's great to see former classmates and teachers.  We are so fortunate to live in a community where we know almost everyone.  We look forward to keeping the Russell Alumni reunion going strong and we are certain that the 2018 Alumni committee will do an amazing job of coordinating the next reunion.  It's been a pleasure putting together this event and we will cherish the whole experience forever.  

The Russell Historical Society Museum/Library reported it was thrilled to see 115 Alumni and friends   They viewed all the displays, renewed old friendships and made more memories.  They were served cookies and beverages provided by the Alumni Committee.  The museum volunteers are looking forward to hearing the happy chatter at the next reunion.

Sincerely, the 2013 Alumni Committee - Donise Atwell Altenhofen, chairman; Kelli Miller Spencer, vice chairman; Felicia Brown Beaty, treasurer and Nikki Slack Hermann, Secretary.

Officers for the next reunion are Brian Moore, chairman; Charlie Relph, vice chairman; Jennifer Woods, secretary; Ashley Bedford, treasurer.

Russell City Council Meeting May 13th

The Council approved the following items:

Renewing the cigarette license for the Last Chance and The Southside.  The street in front of the Southside will be closed after the Reunion activities on May 25th, for street dancing.  

Amanda and Aaron Russell's burned house

Vicki Jordan  talked about the benefit for Amanda and Aaron Russell to be held on June 22nd.  This will be a poker run for the motorcycle riders.  She requested that Short Street be blocked off for motorcycle parking.  The street will only be blocked off for about an hour on Saturday for check in at 12:30 p.m.  Then the street will again be blocked off from 6:30-7:00 p.m. for the evenings activities.  The Jordan's will get signed permission from residents on that street and bring documentation to city hall.

Pictured above is the home of Aaron and Amanda Russell two miles south of Oskaloosa that burned down April 26th.  Both Aaron and Amanda are from Lucas County (Russell) and a donations account has been set up for them at Community 1st Credit Union in Chariton.

Luke Rich was approved as part-time police officer for the city.  

Mike Mason will be hired as a part-time city employee.  Maximum hours per week will not exceed 20 hours.

Gene Wright's high bid for renting the hay ground was accepted.

Their was a discussion regarding the go-cart race track near the corner of Smith Street and Chapman Street.   Subjects covered were:  improvements at the track; cover tires; he has a permit to sell soda and the proceeds from those sales and other items will go back into helping maintain the track.  The DNR inspector Amy Buckendahl approved the tires as they all have holes so they will drain properly.  Banners will cover the tires from street view.  Go-karts come on a vehicle and leave on a vehicle.  A permit will be necessary as there are 501 tires and a permit is required at 500 tires.   The hours for the racing are from 1-5p.m on Saturdays.  If noise becomes an issue, changes will be made to remedy this.  Concern was expressed regarding the area not being kept cleaned up.  The Council and the Mayor will go meet with the owners of the property and the race track, to check the appearance of the track and discuss options on what to do.

Buddy Davis and Brant Paige have left the fire department and a new member is Mike Mason.  The fire department received SCICF grant funds for further work on the fire station addition.  A resolution for the fire department to apply for grant money through the USDA was approved.  There is a need to replace the current rescue unit.  The city will get bids for fixing the fire hydrant on the corner of Ames and Maple St.

Ed Elaim will contact Jeremy to see about the cost and possibility of surveying the west end of Short St.

Clayton from the Lucas County road department came down and looked at culverts on South Prairie St. and gave ideas on fixing it.  Fema called about flood damage and the Mayor did indicate the city did have damage.

A motion for Wendy Nickell to attend a workshop sponsored by the Iowa League of Cities in Albia on June 6th was approved.

Council members present were:  Ed Scheel (Mayor), Duane Bedford, Jeremy Blue, and Wayne Riggs.  Jay Pierschbacher and Don Sellers were absent.  Also in attendance were city employee Larry Mitchell, Fire Chief Craig Alexander, Jim Neer, police officer Luke Rich and City Clerk Wendy Nickell.  Visitors were Delores Carroll, Vicki Jordan, Dustin Davis, Susan Beecher, Craig Gooder, Penny Stouwie, Sara White, Larry Templeton, Don Todd.

The next meeting will be on on Monday June 10th.

Vacation Bible School

Faith United Methodist Vacation Bible School will be from Sunday, June 23rd through Wednesday, June 26th from 6-8 p.m.  The theme will be "Going to the Fair".  All kids are welcome who have been to pre-school through 5th grade.  See you at the Fair!

Russell School Alumni Reunion

Just an update regarding the 2013 Russell Alumni reunion.  Planning is well under way and this years reunion will be an amazing celebration.  Be sure you mark your calendar for May 25, 2013.  A delicious pork loin meal will be served at the Russell Volunteer Fire Station between the hours of 4:30 and 7:00 p.m.  with the program to follow at the bandstand stage on Shaw Street.  Along with utilizing the Fire Station, we are also hosting an open house from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m at the Russell Historical Museum.  We have also reserved the Russell Community Center for the day so classes can have an additional gathering spot.

There will be a blue book CD available for purchase with all of the updated contacts of all graduates and faculty of Russell High School.  We will be mailing out the invitations to the reunion March 25th.  Cost of the meal will be $12.00 per person, please fill out the registration form and mail it back with payment by May 1st, 2013.

We are looking forward to a fun celebration in Russell.  Lets keep the Trojan Spirit alive.

If you have further questions, please contact one of the Alumni Committee, which consists of: Donise Atwell Altenhofen, Committee Chairman,
at 641-203-0993 or altenhofen@sirisonline.com; 

Kelli Miller Spencer, Vice Chairman, at 641-203-2095; 

Felicia Brown Beaty, Treasurer, at 641-203-2894; 

and Nicki Slack Hermann, Secretary, at 641-203-2063.

CIty Wide Garage Sale

Russell City Wide Garage Sale-May 11

Russell will have a city-wide garage sale on May 11, from 8-noon.  Please leave your name at the museum if you want to be included on the map.  There is no charge for being on the map.   Maps are free and available at the Museum the day of the sale.  If you don't want to have your own sale, you can donate your items to the Museum garage sale.  For more information contact Roberta at 535-4191.

Russell Post Office New Hours

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, the Russell Post Office will begin new retail window hours.  They will be open from 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, hours will be from 8 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.  After May 4th, the interior mailboxes will be available 24 hours a day.